All About Barbados

We love Barbados and are absolutely sure you will as well. This wonderful Caribbean West Indies island has so much more to offer than sea, sand and sun. From world class dining, to a multitude of local sports and games, there is never a dull moment. With a plethora of exciting activities and an island rich in cultural events year round, we are sure you will fall in love with Barbados too!

Barbados is surrounded by over 70 miles of beautiful palm-fringed, white sand beaches. The sea offers just about every shade of blue and is truly a delight to behold, even when simply driving around the island. All Barbados beaches are open to the public giving locals and visitors alike the opportunity to enjoy some of the most beautiful seasides in the Caribbean. The Crane beach in St. Phillip has consistently been recognised as one of the top 10 beaches in the world.

The East Coast Beaches of Barbados on the Atlantic Ocean offer not only the biggest waves, but also the most dangerous currents. Swimming at these beaches is not recommended but they are very popular for surfing. Bathsheba is the home of the famous Soup Bowl and is a hot spot for experienced local and foreign surfers alike. With prime conditions year-round, surfing is one of the most popular sports in Barbados. The Atlantic coastline is stunningly beautiful and simply awe-inspiring to watch.

The South Coast Beaches of Barbados are characterized by small to medium waves, good dive sites and excellent wind and kite surfing conditions. The South Coast of Barbados is laden with stretches of white sand bays. The sea is usually calm and good for swimming. There are many shallow-water reefs, which are ideal for snorkeling. One of the best windsurfing spots is in Silver Sands and Silver Rock where many international windsurfing events are held.

Northern Barbados may have less sand but the coast makes up for this drawback with spectacular weathered cliffs and pounding Atlantic swells in numerous little bays. The majority of the coast tends to be rockier but offers beautiful ridges with magnificent views of the ocean. Swimming is quite safe within the sheltered bays like River Bay, Maycocks Bay, Cove Bay and Morgan Lewis beaches. They are all great locations for gorgeous photos.

The West Coast Beaches of Barbados are known for calm, clear waters and soft white sandy beaches making them ideal for swimming, snorkeling or relaxing with a rum punch. The West Coast gently nudges the tranquil Caribbean Sea in all its turquoise glory and is perfect for water sports like skiing and wakeboarding, it also boasts most of the island's popular scuba diving areas.

Some specific points to note about our Beaches:

Flags on Beach Denote Dangerous Currents

YELLOW FLAG: means proceed with caution

RED FLAG: is a strong warning that you should stay out of the sea

It is always advisable to stay within your depth when swimming. There is quite a bit of activity along the coast lines with boats and other water crafts so when snorkelling or diving please display a brightly coloured buoy or float to indicate your location.

Manchineel TreesMore prevalent on the West Coast, but also found in small quantities elsewhere, these poisonous trees (usually marked with a red painted ring around the trunk) are to be handled with care. They bear small yellow-green "apples" and any contact with the leaves, branches or fruits will cause severe blistering. The fruit should NOT be eaten at anytime and take care not to shelter under these trees when it’s raining as the water dripping from the leaves will produce the same unpleasant effect.

Sea Urchins/CobblersBarbados is surrounded by extensive coral reefs and sea urchins (commonly referred to locally as cobblers) are abundant in the rocks and crevices that are close to shore. The long black spines will break easily and embed in your feet if stepped on. It is advised that if you are snorkelling or walking on any of the shallow reefs you wear reef shoes for protection against these animals and other small fish.

Go on a culinary adventure through the numerous dining options available in Barbados. From our national dish of Flying Fish and Cou Cou or the ever popular local Saturday delight of Pudding and Souse all the way across the palate to mouth-watering Sushi, Barbados will please the most discerning food connoisseur. Dining choices are available for every taste and every budget.

You can choose from numerous fine-dining restaurants offering international dishes to relaxed, casual spots offering tasty local cuisine. Some of the most delicious food can be attained from local roadside vendors operating from the back of their van, stalls or tents. Our Concierge department has a comprehensive list of all of the finest dining spots on the island and would be happy to make all your reservations for you. For every taste and budget Barbados has something to offer...

East Coast:

Naniki is known for the magnificent views and Caribbean cuisine; nestled in the lush countryside on a nature resort. Surinam, St. Joseph. Tel: 433-1300 / Website: www.lushlife.bb

The Atlantis is an elegant East Coast hotel overlooking the Tent Bay fishing village and serving a famous Bajan buffet lunch. It is also open for breakfast and dinner. Tent Bay, St. Joseph. Tel: 433-9445 / Website: www.atlantishotelbarbados.com

Bert’sBar for all sports enthusiasts Bert's is a great place to chill featuring live satellite sports coverage all day long. Try their authentic stone pizza! Rockley New Road, Christ Church. Tel: 435-7924 / Website: www.bertsbarbados.com

Café Luna is a delightful restaurant on a rooftop terrace and the menu draws from all over the world with tropical fusion. Enterprise Beach Road, Christ Church. Tel: 420-4689 / Website: www.littlearches.com

Café Sol is ideally located at the entrance to St. Lawrence Gap and offers up an authentic Mexican style menu. Well known for their tasty margaritas. St. Lawrence Gap, Christ Church. Tel: 420-7655 / Website: www.cafesolbarbados.com

Champers is nestled on cliff top overlooking the sea and enjoys the reputation of being one of the leading restaurants on the South Coast. Skeetes Hill, Christ Church. Tel: 434-3463 / Website: www.champersbarbados.com

Just Grillin’ is a casual open air dining in Quayside Centre close to Accra Beach. Great value and even better food. Rockley, Christ Church. Tel: 435-6469 / Website: www.justgrillinbarbados.com

Lobster Alive has fresh Grenadine lobster (kept alive in a seawater tank) and has a selection of seafood dishes served by the seaside. Bay Street, St. Michael. Tel: 435-0305 / Website: https://www.lobsteralive.net/

Daphne's is a well known fine dining establishment situated on the beachfront serving international and Italian cuisine. Paynes Bay Beach, St. James. Tel: 432-8501 Website: www.daphnesbarbados.com

The Fish Pot is a charming family restaurant set in an old fort. Guests sit on a wooden deck right above the sand, great for lunch or dinner. Shermans, St. Peter. Tel: 439-2604 / Website: www.littlegoodharbourbarbados.com

Lone Star Restaurant has an elegant and relaxed beachside atmosphere and eclectic menu. Mount Standfast, St. James. Tel: 629-0599 / Website: www.thelonestar.comMoontown is true "Bajan" fish fry right on the water's edge in the north of the island. Sherman Hall, Half Moon Fort, St. Lucy. Tel: 439-1927 / Website: http://www.stelmosmoontown.com/

Scarlet has stylish décor and delish and affordable food. Paynes Bay, St. James. Tel 432-3663 / Website: www.scarletbarbados.comThe Beach House is set on the West Coast boardwalk and specialises in a Caribbean lunch buffet and romantic candlelight dinners. Holetown, Barbados. Tel: 432-1163 / Website: www.thebeachhousebarbados.com

The Cliff with its stunning cliff top setting and excellent culinary team is one of the leading restaurants in the Caribbean. Derricks, St. James. Tel: 432-1922 / Website: www.thecliffbarbados.com

The Mews serves international and European dishes presented with simplicity and style in one of the quaintest restaurants on the island. 2nd Street, Holetown, St. James. Tel: 432-1122 / Website: www.themewsbarbados.com

The Tides is a stunning beachfront restaurant nestled within a tropical garden just off the boardwalk serving international cuisine at its finest. Holetown, St. James. Tel 432-8356 / Website: www.tidesbarbados.com

The nightlife activities in Barbados are endless! Choose from trendy or traditional restaurants, electrifying nightclubs, casual bars, relaxed rum shops… and much much more! On the South Coast you’ll find the entertainment hub of St. Lawrence Gap - a mile long strip of entertainment delights alive with energy. On the West Coast you’ll find the popular 1st and 2nd Streets in Holetown known for delicious cuisine, exciting bars and vibrant nightclubs. Being small has its benefits; you can easily move from one coast to the next experiencing as many nightspots as desired. Have a glance through some of our favourites...

SOUTH COAST

Oistins Fish FryIt’s a dressed down affair featuring lots of delicious Barbados fish and seafood. Enjoy grilled or fried marlin, tuna, mahi mahi, flying fish, swordfish, all prepared right in front of you! Look closely and you may even find the occasional spiny lobster. Sweet Caribbean music infuses the air while locals play dominoes or talk about hot issues. It’s an atmosphere of excitement and a “must-see” in Barbados.

Harbour LightsParty in an open-air beachfront nightclub to pulsating Caribbean and international music. Harbour Lights is located on the beautiful Carlisle Bay Beach just a few minutes from Bridgetown. Their popular Beach Extravaganza Dinner Show is great fun for all ages. It features traditional local entertainment such as stiltmen, fire eaters, acrobatic green monkeys, shaggy bears and a tuk band.

Mojo’sFriendly atmosphere, affordable drinks and great music – this is Mojo’s. The cocktail bar’s motto is "Music for the People, Food for the Soul" and it hasn’t disappointed yet. Throw on your jeans and sandals and dance the night away!

WEST COAST

John Moore’s BarIt’s the rum shop you definitely want to experience. You’ll find a high-spirited group of Barbadians relaxing in a casual setting enjoying a rum punch or beer. Set along the waterfront in Weston, St. James you’ll enjoy cool, ocean breezes to the background of great laughter and merriment. Delicious local food is also on sale.

The MewsEnjoy the live entertainment on Friday nights! The Mews is located in 2nd street in Holetown. The restaurant offers international and European dishes in a casual setting with private dining areas and lovely balconies. It’s often the first choice of many to kick off an enjoyable Friday night.

West BarA fun and exciting bar on the West Coast! West Bar is located within the Limegrove Lifestyle Centre in Holetown. Friday nights feature DJ music, drink specials and guest mixologists. Mingle with friends or make some new ones!

If you are looking for the ultimate way to absorb Barbados culture look no further than a traditional rum shop. Barbados has over 1500 rum shops which make up a key part of the culture dating back over 300 years ago. It is said that they originated by the men needing a "liming" spot while the ladies attended church services - that's why there is a rum shop within close walking distance to many an Island church! Persons from varying social, ethnic and economic backgrounds all head to the rum shop to enjoy a good time and a few laughs with friends. The shops are easy to spot, colourfully decorated advertising popular brands of rum, beer, vodka, stoutes, etc.

Local rum shop patrons are welcoming and friendly and are always willing to engage visitors in a lively conversation. You’ll quickly recognise that these tiny shops are a hub of social interaction for Bajans and tourists alike - a great spot where you can discuss wide a range of topics from sports and politics to local gossip and major world events. You’ll be surprised just how much you can learn about Barbados history and current events just from hanging out in the rum shops. Bajans are often very well-informed and provide wonderful and entertaining conversation. Order a drink or a delicious local dish and join in the conversation!

You can enliven your vacation by watching or participating in a number of fun sporting activities in Barbados. With year-round temperatures averaging 30 degrees Celsius/ 86 degrees Farenheit Barbados is the perfect destination for any sports enthusiast. Cricket is very popular on the island and followed by many locals who often organize friendly matches between one another. Barbadians are avid sportsfolk and participate in a variety of activities such as surfing, water polo, athletics, horseracing, football and of course cricket, to name a few.

Cricket

The first love of Barbados! Cricket is the national sport of the island with many locals and visitors alike attending world-class matches at the newly renovated Kensington Oval. Barbados has produced several cricketing greats such as Sir Garfield Sobers, the three W's, Wes Hall, Desmond Haynes, Gordon Greenidge, David Allen, and the late Keith Boyce. There’s always an opportunity to enjoy a great game of cricket in Barbados whether it's an international match, a local first-division match or a friendly game on the beach or village playing field. To reserve tickets at Kensington Oval for matches visit: http://cricketwestindies.org/.

Golf

Barbados boasts a number of world-class golf courses and facilities. Several tournaments are hosted throughout the year and attract participants from Europe, North America and several other countries. In December 2006 Barbados hosted the World Golf Championships World Cup at the Sandy Lane luxury resort.

Royal WestmorelandThis is a "members only" golf club that allows limited tee off times for non-members. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., Royal Westmoreland is one of the world's most exciting resort courses. Tel: 419-7242

Sandy LaneAt Sandy Lane there are three courses to choose from - The Old Nine, the Country Club Course and the private Green Monkey Course. The Country Club and Green Monkey Courses were both designed by Tom Fazio. Tel: 444-4080

Apes Hill ClubThis is a private club reserved for property owners and their guests - but our Concierge can get you a tee time! Space is limited so reserve early. Take special note of the view from holes 6 and 15... spectacular! The course was designed by the team at Landmark Land Company and boasts some of the most challenging fairways and greens in the world.

Hiking

You can enjoy the natural beauty of Barbados with a hike through gullies, cane fields and coastal villages. Hosted by the Barbados National Trust, hikes are scheduled each Sunday morning and afternoon beginning at different locations around the island. Each hike lasts 3 hours and varies in intensity based experience. Interesting facts about Barbados are often provided on the hike. Hikes are free but the Barbados National Trust accepts donations to preserve the built and natural environment. Tel: 436 9033 or 426 2421 The Hike Calandar can be found at this link - https://barbados.org/hike.htm. Don't forget to wear appropriate footwear, a sun hat, and bring a bottle of water and a snack for along the way!

Horseracing

You can enjoy horse racing all year long (exception being the month of October) at Barbados' historic Garrison Savannah. Race days are exciting for all members of the family and feature lots of vendors selling treats for the kids. The main event of the racing season is the Sandy Lane Gold Cup which attracts participants from all across the Caribbean and international world. For a full racing schedule check online: http://www.barbadosturfclub.org/race-day/#racingcsdrop

Polo

Polo is played to a high level in Barbados. Several first-class matches between Barbados and visiting teams are held throughout the year. The British Calvary brought the sport to the island in the 19th century and the Barbados Polo Club was formed in 1884. There are several polo fields in Barbados, several of which feature luxury property developments around the field. The season is typically early December until late May but match days may change due to inclement weather, so it is best to call the Barbados Polo Club hotline to confirm match dates and times: Tel: 230-1308

Motor Sport

Motor Sport in Barbados is hugely popular and while there are many types to choose from as a spectator, The Sol Barbados Rally is the biggest international motor sport event in the Caribbean. It began as a one-day rally for 30 or so local competitors and evolved into a major celebration attracting as many as 90 crews from around the region and international world. In 2009 the list of entrants included nine World Rally Cars as well as past and present champions from Britain, Jamaica and Trinidad. Hundreds of enthusiastic fans come to the island to not only view the exciting races but to enjoy the nightlife, dining, beaches and other fun activities on the island. Find out more at: Website: http://www.rallybarbados.net/

Barbados may be a small island but there are over 100 religious sects and numerous churches throughout the country. Going to church is still a major event for many Barbadians who can be seen heading to their places of worship in striking outfits. Churches vary in style from stately Anglican buildings with stained glass windows and pipe organs to tiny wooden structures or even tents! In some more vibrant, energetic settings you can hear clapping and tambourines ringing through the atmosphere. Some of the religions represented in Barbados include Buddhist, Bahai, Hindu, Methodist, Moravian, Islamic, Pentecostal, Mormon, Evangelical and Jewish and more, however Anglican is the main denomination.

WEST COAST

Anglican Services:St. James Parish Church Tel. 422-4117Folkestone, St. JamesSunday Services 7:15am, 9:00am 5th Sunday in the month 8:00am only

Synagogue (oldest synagogue in the western hemisphere):Nidhe Israel SynagogueTel. 436-6869 Synagogue Lane, BridgetownShabbat Service: December to April every Friday 7:30pm

Mosque:Juma Mosque Bridgetown, St. MichaelTel. 233-2074Prayer Times: Prays 5 times a day are offeredFriday: 12:15pmFor a tour, it is recommended to phone ahead to schedule. Note: No photographs please and modest dress is required.

Bear in mind that most shops and Government offices are closed on Public Holidays. Restaurants and attractions are usually open but it's best to check first. Below is a list of how the locals like to spend these days. There are often events happening on these days around the island, but if there is nothing special planned, there is always the beach! On public holidays locals like to get together with family and friends and spend the day at the beach as they typically don't get to do that on a regular basis.

January 2018

Jan 1st - New Year's Day

Jan 21st - Errol Barrow Day. Considered to be the "Father Of Independence" the late Sir Errol Walton Barrow was the first Prime Minister of Barbados. One of the island's national hero's, he was an avid sailor and on this day as we celebrate his birthday we also have the annual Round Barbados Yacht Race. http://www.barbadossailingweek.com/

March 2018

Mar 30th - Good Friday

April 2018

Apr 2nd - Easter Monday

Apr 28th - National Heroes' Day was designed to recognize the contribution of all of Barbados' national heroes:

Errol Barrow (1920-1987) was the Father of Barbados' Independence

Sir Grantley Adams (1898-1971) was the only Prime Minister of the now defunct West Indies Federation.

Bussa (????-1816) for leading Barbados' slave revolt in April 1816

Sarah Ann Gill (1795-1866) who stood up against the planters who tried to oust the Methodist missionaries from Barbados

Sir Frank Walcott (1916-1999) was an international figure in trade unionism

Charles Duncan O'Neal (1879-1936) a medical doctor of the privileged class who dedicated his working life to serving the poor

Clement Osbourne Payne (1904-1941) a pioneer in the Caribbean trade union movement and an outspoken critic of politics

Sir Hugh Springer (1913-1994) Barbados' third native Governor-General he worked in a variety of political capacities

Sir Garfield Sobers (1936-present) an outstanding sportsman and a legend in the game of cricket

May 2018

May 1st - May Day or Labour Day

May 21st - Whit Monday

August 2018

Aug 1st - Emancipation Day. This holiday commemorates The Slavery Abolition Act which ended slavery in the British Empire on August 1, 1834.

Aug 6th - Kadooment Day. The origins of the festival day can be traced back to the 1780's, a time when Barbados was the world's largest producer of sugar. At the end of the sugar season, there was always a huge celebration to mark the culmination of another successful sugar cane harvest - the Crop Over celebration.